Best Tent Camping: Washington

Rialto Beach Campground Beauty 5 / Privacy 5 / Spaciousness 5 / Quiet 5 / Security 2 / Cleanliness 5 Key Information Contact: 360-565-3100, nps.gov Open: Year-round Sites: Beach camping between Ellen Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall; groups limited to 12 people Each site has: Primitive, some with established tent space or fire pit Assignment: First come, first served Registration: On-site or via mail (addressed envelopes are provided at the campground); Wilderness Camping Permit available at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles Amenities: Vault toilets by parking lot, bury waste 6–8" deep and 200' from campsites and water sources Parking: At trailhead Fee: $8 per person, free for age 15 and under Elevation: Sea level Restrictions: Pets: On leash only during day, camping with pets prohibited Fires: In fire rings or on the beach (away from tree roots), only driftwood gathering permitted Food: All food, garbage, and fragrant items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters (or in your car) Alcohol: Permitted Vehicles: Small trailers only (limited side clearance) Other: Backcountry wilderness permits required for overnight stays This is oceanside camping at its finest—and the best possible introduction for those new to backpacking. The majesty of the open ocean, the impressive windblown trees, and the gigantic drift logs make this spot feel larger than life. Rialto Beach is one of my favorite places in Washington. I love anywhere along the coast, but Rialto has the perfect balance of easy-to-get-to while still feeling extremely remote. It’s a long haul from Seattle, at about four hours without traffic (no matter which route you take), but it’s worth it for even a short weekend (though a long weekend is preferred). If you’ve only been car camping, or maybe to a walk-in site at another campground, Rialto Beach is a perfect introduction to backpacking. I like to call it “baby backpacking.” Many people exploring the coast use this as a day-use area (and you can too if you’re staying up the road at Mora Campground), so don’t be thrown off by the number of cars in the parking lot. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your car. You’ll need a permit and a bear canister for this light trek, both available at the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center (WIC) if you drive the northern route. When I was here last summer, self-registration permits were available on-site, which you need to mail in after your camping adventure. That said, it’s your responsibility to have a permit for overnight backcountry camping. You can call the WIC ahead of time with questions. So you’ve parked your car, you’ve loaded your pack, and you’ve filled your bear canister; it’s time to hike to your campsite. I should emphasize that you’re required to keep all food as well as all fragrant items—like deodorant, toothpaste, and any empty food packaging—in a bear canister. I recommend buying one before you leave your home base, but it’s possible to find one at an outdoor store along the drive, or nab one of the limited supply at the WIC. Don’t forget to pack a rope with which to hang it from a tree branch. If you don’t have a bear canister, you must leave your food in your car. Don’t worry—it’s mostly raccoons you’re protecting yourself from. And don’t worry if you didn’t get ahold of a bear canister—it’s still possible to camp overnight. You’ll just have to hike in and out to eat your meals. Bonus: You’d get to use the restroom as well. The hike from the parking lot to the area where you’re allowed to camp is only 0.8 mile. If you’re new to backpacking, this can feel like a long way to carry all your things, especially when you’re hiking on sand. Here, the sound of the ocean and of the smooth round stones shifting underfoot helps distract from the weight of your pack, which is why I love this hike as an introduction to backpacking. Once you cross Ellen Creek (which you can often see flowing into the ocean), you’re allowed to set up camp. No overnight camping is permitted south of Ellen Creek. Look for markers or signs high up in the trees on the right as well; there should be a sign denoting the creek and, therefore, the start of the “campground.” Many campsites will be obvious to spot. They might sport an existing fire ring or present themselves as an obvious nook, beckoning you to nestle in between a couple of gargantuan drift logs. If one of these is open, by all means snag it. That said, you can technically camp anywhere between Ellen Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall. Make sure to pick a spot above the high-tide waterline—and know the tides. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: coastal hiking requires a tide table at all times of the year. You may have to wait out the tide or hike over rocky masses protruding into the Pacific, so plan ahead and wear good shoes. The “Strip of Wilderness” brochure available at the Mora Ranger Station is full of information about the pleasures and pitfalls of coastal hiking. You’ll be fine from your car to Ellen Creek, but if you continue on toward Hole-in-the-Wall, this will apply. Even if you set up camp sooner rather than later, continue on for a hike farther north along the coast. The sea stacks are beautiful to admire from a shorter distance. Bear canisters, when not in use, should be strung up in a nearby (but not too nearby) tree. The rule of thumb is 12 feet up and 10 feet out from the nearest trunk for optimal safety. Tie a stone to the end of your rope and start tossing! While you should always leave no trace, this is especially the place to heed that message. There aren’t garbage facilities along the beach, and you’ll need to pack everything out. Human waste must be buried 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet away from campsites and water sources. Speaking of water, you can use Ellen Creek as a drinking source. Keep in mind that the tan color is normal for the coast, but you’ll want to filter or boil all water no matter which stream you use. Iodine is not effective at protecting against cryptosporidium. When I camped on the beach a couple of years ago, I had the absolute thrill of seeing a mama otter fishing for her three young pups. You’ll definitely see birds and crabs and maybe some jumping fish. You could even spot whales, sea lions, or dolphins if you’re very fortunate during your coastal visit. Even though this beach is not unknown by the masses, only those willing to trek their gear in will be camping here. And even with other tent campers dotting the coastline, you’ll still feel like you have the whole open ocean all to yourself. Plus, the waves are excellent at muffling any neighbors’ conversations. This bears repeating: The reservations nearby are private. Be respectful. Getting There Whether from north or south, take US 101 around the Olympic Peninsula to the town of Forks (125–200 miles from Seattle, depending on which route you take). About 1 mile north of Forks, turn west onto La Push Road/WA 110. After about 10 miles, turn right onto Mora Road, where you’ll continue about 5 miles, following the signs to Rialto Beach. GPS Coordinates N47° 55.234' W124° 38.262'